Ten ways schools are using social media effectively

Readers discuss how they use social networking in their schools, list helpful resources

By Meris Stansbury, Online EditorRead more by Meris Stansbury October 21st, 2011

Many "families ‘like’ our Facebook page. This gives us a great tool to communicate quickly with a good portion of our parents," said one reader.

Smart phones might be getting the green light in more schools around the country, but social networking is still getting the yellow in many schools: Parents are worried about bullying, teacher-student online relationships are questioned, and school security can be compromised all too easily, some critics fear.

To understand how social media, an almost integral part of our current culture, can benefit K-12 schools and districts, we asked eSchool News readers: “Name one way you use social networking in your school/district. Or, if you can’t/don’t currently use social networking, how would you like to?”

From professional development to providing real-world examples of mathematics, readers say it’s time to make the best of what can be a valuable resource for education. Here are some of the top ways they’re using social networking in their schools.

How have social media enhanced your own district, school, or classroom environment? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

10. Professional development

“In my professional role, I’ve become very quickly reliant on Twitter and Facebook to inform me of trends and Web 2.0 tools I should be considering using with students/sharing with staff. For the most part, social networking is blocked in our district, and it’s frustrating to not have access to ed-tech blogs I’d like to check with on school time.” —Marcia Dressel, K-5 librarian, Osceola, Wis.

Thank you for Posting this article. I have been reading it for the past few months and have found very useful information. I am in the midst of struggling with my school district with the use of technology. We are extremely behind the curve and need to make a commitment to move our students into the 21st century. I cannot eve use google earth of all things! It will be an uphill stuggle.

David
Life Skills Special Ed
Freeport High School, Freeport IL.

kmadden491

November 4, 2011 at 1:47 pm

Meris,
Good article. Schools are a little behind on social networking, but look how long it took to get rid of overhead projectors. I was encouraged to see some of the creative ways that teachers are using it. It won’t be long before social networking is one of the major platforms for education – probably through the blended learning model.

kurt

Kurt Madden, CTO, Fresno Unified

adriankimble

January 5, 2012 at 2:34 pm

they are given all the pro’s but the list is as twice as long for the con’s.